Category: probation violation lawyer

I can’t tell you how many times I hear this. It is so easy to mess up and end up with a violation. Many people do not understand the importance of absolute compliance with all of the terms of probation. Many people who have not lived a structured life, or come from a broken home, or have a drug addiction simply often fail to strictly comply. Missing an appointment can get you violated. Failing to notify the probation officer of a change of address can be a problem. Leaving the County without permission is a frequent violation. Not paying you costs of supervision is the most common. Needless to say, a new arrest will do it every time.

A probation violation has to be both willful and substantial.

Here in Sarasota, a judge’s ruling finding a violation was recently overturned by the higher Court. It has to be substantial, not just an accident or technical violation. As a criminal defense attorney I understand the importance of a person having good representation at a probation violation hearing. Many times, it is up to a mother, father or spouse to interview and hire a good lawyer. If the person is sitting in jail, they have no access to a computer and only limited access to a telephone and no real list of lawyers. All the jail provides is the Yellow pages, and most of the lawyers no longer bother to even get listed.

Do your homework when it comes to really verifying experience. You can’t believe everything you see and never base a decision as to who to hire on simply an advertisement. My suggestion if you are looking for aprobation violation lawyer, is to actually call and talk to the attorney, not just a clerk in his office. Do not discuss your case or your situation with some telephone service. Talk to the lawyer in person.